Meridian vs Nampa: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Meridian, ID and Nampa, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Meridian, ID | Nampa, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,574 | $64,130▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.08 | $30.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,283▲ | $47,964 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,737▲ | $55,197 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,900 | $76,216▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,364▲ | $90,286 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 25 |
Verdict
Meridian and Nampa are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Meridian and Nampa is $1,556 (2.49%). Nampa's median is -1.96% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meridian spans $42,081,Nampa spans $42,322. Nampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nampa ($67,293 effective) pays 2.49% more than Meridian ($65,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,364)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Nampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,130/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,293)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Meridian grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Nampa over the same period.
Meridian, ID
$49,741 (2024) → $59,805 (2025)
Nampa, ID
$50,979 (2024) → $61,292 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Meridian or Nampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Meridian and Nampa?
Should I relocate from Meridian to Nampa as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Meridian vs Nampa?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov